Can You Sublimate on Polyamide? Is It Possible?

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Last Updated on January 16, 2023

Can You Sublimate on Polyamide? Sublimating polyamide is one of the most common doubts among garments. Is it possible? Known as polyamide or Nylon, this fabric is very successful and is mainly used by people who go to the gym since it is comfortable, lightweight, and high-quality.

Gray and Red Polyamide Fabric
Gray and Red Polyamide Fabric

For this reason, it attracts attention, and some people want different pieces, with prints, for example.

Therefore, the possibility of sublimating polyamide to produce printed pieces is a frequent question for clothing companies. Do you have this kind of doubt? If so, come and understand better what polyamide is and what sublimation technology consists of.

Understanding What Polyamide is?

Developed in the 1930s by chemist Wallace Hume Carothers . Polyamide is a noble synthetic fiber that guarantees the fabric a softer, silkier, and more elastic touch. Manufactured from a chemical fiber of an industrially produced synthetic polymer.

Sublimate on Polyamide

It has characteristics close to natural fibers, promoting comfort reminiscent of cotton.

  • Refreshing fabric, always “cold.”
  • light and comfortable
  • It absorbs sweat well
  • Dries quickly
  • Quite elastic
  • High resistance
  • Resistance to attack by moths and fungi

There are several types of garments made with this fabric. It is more commonly used during physical exercises and to make underwear (lingerie). It can be used to manufacture sporting goods, such as camping tents, skates, ski clothes, etc.

Furthermore, Polyamide fabric does not need to be ironed, as it does not wrinkle, shrink or warp. 

What is Sublimation on Polyamide?

This is a printing technique, a chemical process when a substance is used to create a print. The substance changes from a solid to a gaseous state, subsequently producing the expected pattern.

Can You Sublimate on Polyamide

To sublimate polyamide, the design is printed on paper (solid component), and heat and machine pressure are applied to the shirt and paper design, which turns into steam and is transferred to the fabric.

  • There are models of machines, printers, and transfers used today to make technology more modern.
  • To carry out the sublimation, a sublimation printer (Affiliate Link) is necessary, as well as transfer paper and sublimation ink.
  • The printer is a sublimation printer like the Epson F170 that works slightly differently than regular printers.
  • The paper has a layer of polyester resin on its surface in order to transfer the ink.
  • The paint will project particles onto the polyester, changing from a solid to a gaseous state and returning to a solid at the end of the process.

Polyamide Sublimation, Can You Sublimate on Polyamide?

Polyamide Sublimation
White Polyamide Powder for Printing Close Up

Yes, you can sublimate on polyamide. But the use of polyester for sublimation is widely known. Because in terms of polyamide, you will have a beautiful finished product right after applying the print, but it will wear out very early, certainly leaving your customers dissatisfied.

Also, when subjecting the print to washes, to the sun, and even over time, the design will fade quickly, with reports that the print has a “washed” appearance in a few days.

How Do You Use Polyamide Powder for Sublimation?

Polyamide Powder for Sublimation
Polyamide Powder for Sublimation (Source etsy)

In this section, we will tell you how to use polymer powder for the sublimation step-by-step.

1. Print Your Design

First, please print the paper with your sublimation printer. Print your design in mirror mode with silicone or slow-drying paper and put print settings to plain paper and high speed.

2. Apply the Polyamide Powder

Then apply the polyamide powder immediately after printing. To do so, you will need a tray. You have to spread the polymer on the printed side of the paper and then carefully move the paper from side to side to completely cover the design. Pour excess powder into its container and store it safely as it is reusable.

Note: It is important to remember that the polyamide powder can give off dust. So we recommend using your mask 😷.

3. Ironing

The next step is ironing. There are several ways to place the print on your garment. You can use the iron at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and a distance of 3 centimeters for 30 seconds. The one that works best for me is a regular toaster at the same temperature for 10 to 15 seconds.

Now place the shirt or fabric that you are going to customize on the iron and place the design face down on a protective paper on top iron at 185 degrees Celsius for 34 seconds. With medium pressure, finally, remove the shirt from the iron and wait for it to cool for about 40 seconds, then remove the paper in a slow diagonal motion with one hand while supporting the fabric with the other.

Note: You should ensure that once the impression is placed, you should keep it the same. We suggest you cure the dust for this case.

Polyamide vs. Nylon: Are They the Same?

Polyamide vs. Nylon

Polyamide is a synthetic material with a rough surface. Polycondensing amide groups, a linear synthetic compound, produce it. Elastane, Taslan, Velsoft, Jordan, and Nylon are examples of polyamides. And Nylon, on the other hand, is the most commonly used polyamide, widely used in producing ropes, cords, and threads.

Conclusion

Sublimation on polyamide is possible, but it depends on the specific material and process. Also, remember that for sublimation, the ideal is to work with 100% polyester fabrics. But it is still possible to work with other fabrics, although the results may be better than those obtained with a fabric made exclusively of polyester.